Is there anything wrong with adding a plug end on permanent electrical?

Red Squirrel

Say I have a series of power outlets that is permanent (ex: in a wall, or otherwise installed on part of the structure) is there anything that states I cannot feed it from a plug end? What I want to do is install a bank of power outlets for my server rack, basically I am framing the server rack in place and will add cable management as well as power outlets right into that structure. However rather than feed it straight off an electrical panel I want to feed it through UPS, surge protectors, etc, so I'll probably have like 4 separate circuits leading to 4 plug ends. They will be using heavy duty 12 awg extension cord wire coming out of the last junction box. From a safety point of view it will be fine, just wondering about code.

Also any minimum height for electrical in a basement? Idealy the last junction box will be rather low, maybe a foot off the floor. I do know I can't have more than 12 outlets per circuit, so I'll be sure to follow that.

rrolleston

I don't know of a plug end that is listed for NM wire.

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Red Squirrel

Oh I'd use extension cord wire. It would be wire nutted to the NM inside the junction box. Or it would probably just come straight off the secondary outlet screw. Though wire nutting is probably the best bet.

Missouri Bound

"Extension cords are listed for temporary use"

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Red Squirrel

Does it count as an extension cord though? Just trying to find a way to make this as legal as possible. I guess the other option is a bigger UPS that has an option to hard wire, but not ready to spend that kind of money yet.

Techy

In NEC land, you wouldn't be allowed to use the cord inside a wall. Or any 'permanent' installation

micromind

400.8 (Uses not permitted) comes to mind.

1) As a substitute for the fixed wiring of a structure.

2) Where run through holes in walls, structural ceilings, suspended ceilings, dropped ceilings or floors.

3) Where run through doorways, windows or similar openings.

4) Where attached to building surfaces.

5) Where concealed by walls, floors, or ceilings or located above suspended or dropped ceilings.

Edit; you'd likely be able to use 400.7(8) (uses permitted) Appliances where the fastening means and mechanical connections are specifically designed to permit ready removal for maintenance and repair and the appliance is intended or identified for flexible cord connections.

joed

Don''t use and actual extension cord. Use the proper cabtire.

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operagost

You need a proper PDU (power distribution unit) for your rack. This is essentially a power strip that is listed for a permanent installation. You should install receptacles for each circuit for its intended purpose (surge protected, UPS protected and unprotected) and plug the appropriate PDU and/or UPS into it. If what you're saying is that you will have a UPS inline with the circuit, you still need to bring it to a proper receptacle and use a PDU.

In the real world, we know that PDUs are expensive, and that you'll probably buy one of those long metal power strips that mount to the wall. Unless otherwise marked, these are usually listed as a "temporary power tap" and thus not for permanent installation. Please keep that in mind, and I won't tell anyone :-P

Billy_Bob

How about something like this?...

joed

That would be the proper solution.

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Red Squirrel

Yeah I know about PDUs but for what I want to do I'd need like 6 of em. VERY expensive! (I want 6 separate "circuits" ex: some may be on one specific UPS, some on another and so on).

The inlet seems like a good idea, think I'll go with that. Just the thing of finding a place here that will sell those.

Oso954

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